Picture This: David Thompson’s Homage to The Marlboro Man

David Thompson's journey into visual storytelling began at just 14 years old when he started documenting every hangout with friends, camera in hand. Initially aspiring to enter the world of music production, David discovered a deep passion for photography, which soon became the foundation of his creative career.

In 2015, David launched his own wedding photography and videography business, blending his artistic eye with a knack for capturing meaningful moments. While running his business, he pursued a BFA in graphic design at Augusta University, graduating in 2019.

The wedding industry provided a solid foundation, but David’s creative ambitions led him to explore commercial work in 2017, producing compelling content for local clients. This drive to innovate propelled him into exciting new roles, including joining Recteq Grills in 2022 as their lead videographer and editor. Later that year, he joined Brandon as a photographer, where his talent earned him a Southeast Emmy Award in 2023 and a Gold ADDY Award in 2024.

David's passion for music has come full circle, and he is currently working on an album set to release in 2025. His dedication to both visual and musical arts continues to fuel his journey, creating captivating work that resonates across industries.

LBB> What was about the initial brief that intrigued you?

David> I had never ventured that far out west before, which initially piqued my interest. The idea of seeing such towering mountains in person and experiencing elevations I had never reached before was incredibly compelling.

The gritty essence of the western lifestyle was right up my alley; I love capturing the authentic, raw lifestyle of people in their natural element and telling a compelling story. This photoshoot presented a unique opportunity to showcase what it’s truly like to be out west and how versatile the product we were capturing was.

LBB> What were your first steps when it came to breaking down the brief and formulating your ideas?

David> My initial step in breaking down the brief and formulating my ideas was inspired by the iconic Marlboro Man advertisements. These gritty and authentic depictions of the western frontier became a fundamental source of inspiration, embodying the raw essence and rugged charm I wanted to evoke in the project.

Additionally, I drew influence from a variety of cowboy photographers whose work captures the unvarnished beauty of the West. This blend of inspirations helped shape my vision, aiming to create images that would resonate with the timeless allure of frontier life while aligning with the project’s goals.

LBB> What were the interesting or challenging conversations that you had with the art director or client?

David> I think one of the most challenging conversations was balancing which locations we were going to use; there were so many options, and they were all beautiful.

LBB> Who were the key members of the team and what did they bring?

David> Ben Cantrell (cinematographer)

Red V-Raptor Canon EF Lenses (for speed and budget)

Scott Brandon (owner of Brandon, and acting producer for the shoot)

The Client and Owners (Todd Hayes and Jim Twinning)

LBB> Tell us about the location or setting - where did you shoot and why there?

David> The primary location we shot at was the Diamond Cross Ranch, located about an hour outside of Jackson Hole. This ranch has a lot of history, and you can see the Grand Tetons in the background of the images pretty much wherever you are on the ranch.

Ironically enough, the inspiration I pulled was from the Marlboro photos that were shot for many years on this ranch.

LBB> How did you approach the mise en scene?

David> We had a full day of scouting the day before we started shooting and checked out all the locations and scenes that we had. We made a game plan based on where the sun was in relation to which location we would shoot at what time. 

LBB> Tech specs - what did you shoot on? Any interesting elements in the lighting or lenses that we should know about?

David> I used a Canon R3 equipped with a Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 RF lens and a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 RF lens. The zoom capability of these lenses was particularly effective in compressing the background, making the majestic mountains appear closer to the subject.

Additionally, I used the Profoto B1X for supplemental lighting to ensure the subject was at the same exposure level as the background.

LBB> What were the interesting technical challenges that this project brought up and how did you address them?

David> One challenge I encountered was realizing that strobes can’t be used near horses, as they tend to spook them. This necessitated a shift to using natural light for those shots.

Surprisingly, I found that I really enjoyed the hard light I captured, as it added to the natural grittiness of the landscape and the essence of the West.

LBB> How did the day of the shoot go? Any spontaneous opportunities or surprises?

David> The shoot encompassed numerous locations, featuring a multitude of clothing changes. Each scene unfolded with spontaneous moments, presenting unexpected shots or angles that were simply too irresistible to not capture.

LBB> What is it about this project that stays with you? What made it different to anything else you’ve worked on?

David> This shoot was truly unforgettable for me. The breath-taking landscape and the camaraderie of the people around me evoked a sense of family by the week’s end, especially after enduring 17-hour workdays. The unparalleled beauty and ambiance of Jackson Hole left a lasting impression, unlike any other place I’ve been. Chad and Callie, the models, were not only professional but also genuinely pleasant, which made my job considerably easier.

I must also acknowledge Garrett, who works on the ranch; his humour matched that of Ben and me, keeping the energy lively throughout the shoot.